The Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) has the potential to become a transformative force in advancing the global climate agenda, Türkiye's Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and COP31 President Murat Kurum said on Friday.

Speaking at the COP31 D-8 International Ministerial Meeting in Istanbul, Kurum emphasized that the bloc's combined demographic and geographic influence places it in a unique position to shape international climate action.

“The D-8 family, with its geography stretching from Asia to Africa and the Middle East and a population exceeding one billion, has a special place and transformative power in the global climate agenda,” Kurum said.

He stressed that the collective commitment of D-8 member states would be vital to the success of COP31, which Türkiye is preparing to host in Antalya.

“The common will to be demonstrated by the D-8 is of particular importance for COP31’s implementation-oriented approach,” he added.

The meeting brought together ministers and senior officials responsible for environment and climate affairs from Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye.

Highlighting the urgency of coordinated climate action, Kurum said climate change has evolved beyond a future threat into a global challenge with direct consequences for economies, urban development, food security, energy systems, and public welfare.

He noted that despite numerous international commitments, there remains a significant gap between climate pledges and their implementation.

According to Kurum, Türkiye aims to make COP31 an action-focused conference centered on turning climate commitments into tangible results.

“We see COP31 as an implementation platform where climate adaptation is accelerated, access to finance and technology is strengthened, urban resilience is enhanced, and nature-based solutions are expanded,” he said.

The Turkish minister added that the country's COP31 presidency would be guided by three core principles: dialogue, consensus, and action.

Kurum said Türkiye's COP31 Action Agenda includes ten priority areas designed to accelerate global climate action.

These priorities include reducing methane emissions, expanding electrification and energy efficiency, promoting sustainable agriculture, supporting green industrialization, strengthening climate-resilient cities, increasing youth participation, building resilient systems, and enhancing cross-sector cooperation.

Türkiye also announced a series of measurable global implementation targets extending through 2035.

Among the proposed goals are increasing the global electrification rate to 35 percent, halving the growth rate of global waste generation, reducing energy-use intensity in buildings by at least 25 percent, and raising the share of circular materials used in production and manufacturing to at least 15 percent.

The targets further call for expanded climate education initiatives and faster, more effective, and inclusive access to climate finance.

One of the flagship initiatives under Türkiye's COP31 presidency will be the Climate Implementation Bridge, a mechanism designed to help developing countries transform climate commitments into bankable investment projects while improving access to international financing.

Kurum said the initiative aims to narrow the gap between policy commitments and implementation by providing practical support for developing economies.

The ministerial meeting is expected to address key issues including climate adaptation, loss and damage, climate finance, a just energy transition, and enhanced cooperation among D-8 member states.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participating countries are expected to adopt the Istanbul Declaration, which will outline the D-8's shared vision on environmental protection and climate action while contributing to preparations for COP31, scheduled to be held in Antalya, Türkiye. (ILKHA)